Jones: Generation 3

Some Children of Darling Jones & Margaret Miller

Delbert Marion Jones and 1) Artena Barton 2) Jennie Reele

c. 1844: Delbert was born in TN.  According to Carolyn Denty, Norene and Minnie always referred to him as "Marion".

26 Feb 1844: Artena C. Barton was born in TN.  She was call "Tena".

3 Mar 1867: "Delbert M. Jones" married "Artina C. Barton", the ceremony being  performed  by E. W. Edwards, M.G. [1] 

November  1865: J. M. and D. M. Jones witnessed a deed from  J. N. Alexander to [father] Darling Jones for 100 acres described as the "John T. Cane Tract" adjoining Sam Cooper.  They proved the deed in Dresden on 28 Apr 1866.[2]  J. M. Jones was Marion's brother.

1865 Weakley County Tax List (District 9): Although listed,  D. M. Jones was not assessed for land.

1866 Weakley County Tax List (District 9): Marion Jones was listed, but again without land.

8 Aug 1870 Census, Weakley County, TN (District 9, Dresden P. O.): Farmer  Delbert Jones 25, born in TN, with real estate valued at $700; Artena age 25.[3]

16 Jun 1880 Census, Weakley County, TN  (District 8):  Farmer D. Marion Jones 36, TN NC TN; Artenia C. age 36, TN TN TN; ward Maggie Barton 3, TN TN TN.[4]

20 Nov 1882: D. M. and Arteena C. Jones sold 150 acres on the waters of Mud Creek in District 8 to J. W. [John Wesley, Caroline's brother] Patterson for $2,000.  The parcel adjoined Vaux, B. C. Dents, and C. L. Underwood.[5]  When did he purchase this parcel?  Israel Jones, by the way, had settled on Mud Creek, but there appears to be no relationship.

7 Jul 1887: He purchased a lot in Greenfield from Darling Jones for $500 - $200 in cash and $300 due "one day after date".  The lot was located on Main Street adjoining the railroad right of way.  It was proved by Darling on 4 Oct 1890.[6]

5 Oct 1889: He bought a  1/2 acre town lot in District 9 adjoining Thomas B. Lane from S. E. and Lillie McAdams and G. A. and Ida Ward.[7]

1 Dec 1893: Marion purchased 96 acres adjoining J. E. Hays, the old mill race, the south fork of the Obion River, and Hilary Mosely from Robert Mosely for $237, i.e. $77 in cash and 2 notes for $80 each.[8]

20 Jun 1895: Darling and Margaret Jones sold a lot in Greenfield to D. M. Jones for $250.  The lot adjoined D.  M. Jones' northeast corner.  This deed was signed "D. O. Jones" and "Margaret (x) Jones".[9]

10 Dec 1896: He bought one lot and house adjoining Ray & Grooms livery stable on Cedar Street in Greenfield from "Ray & Grooms" for $1,800.[10]

20 Aug 1898: He purchased 30 acres in District 9 adjoining his own line and the old mill race for $350 from Robert Mosely.  The payment was $228 in cash with a note for $122.[11]

27 Sep 1890: D. M. Jones sold 1/2 interest in a town lot on the east side of Greenfield to E. C. Spann for $126.17.  The lot, adjoining H. F. Hudson and M. M. Frazier, totaled 2 acres and 3 poles.[12]

20 Feb 1896: D. M. and Artena Jones sold Lots 1-4 and 13-22 in District 9 between 1st and 2nd Streets to J. R. Barton for $600, i.e. $200 cash and two equal notes.  The properties, each 50x100, totaled 1 3/4 acre.  On that same date, they sold 8 lots in Greenfield between 3rd and 4th Streets to S. E. McAdams for $300.  Each 50x100 and totaling one acre, the lots were numbered 9-12, 33, 36, and 38.[13]

6 Aug 1899: Artena died.  On her tombstone reads: "Tena Barton Jones, Wife of D. M. Jones, Married 3 Mar 1863".[14]  The actual year of marriage was 1867.

Delbert cannot be located on the Soundex or on Ancestry in either TN, MO. or AR in 1900, not even under Bert. 

30 Dec 1902: D. M. and Jennie C. Jones purchased 1/2 acre adjoining Tom Arg, Overton Street, and Front Street from J. H. and Annie Finch for $425, the latter to be in the form of $125 cash and one house and lot valued at $300.[15]  Delbert's second wife was Jennie C. Reele, born c. 1868 in VA.  This was her second marriage; her surname at birth isn't known.

18 Apr 1905: D. M. and Jennie E. Jones sold one brick store house in District 9 adjoining Ray & Grooms Livery Stable on the north side of Cedar Street for $1,050 to Darling Jones.  The purchase price consisted of $400 cash and one note for $650 with interest held by Darling against D. M. Jones.  The deed states that the parcel was conveyed to D. M. Jones on 30 Dec 1890.  D. M. and Jennie acknowledged the deed before a notary in New Madrid, MO.[16]

3 May 1910 Census, St. Francis, Clay County, AR:  Delbert M. Jones 66, TN NC TN, married for 10 years, retired _____; wife Jennie C. 42, VA VA VA, mother of one child, a milliner with her own shop; step-daughter Vera Reele 16, MO MS VA.[17]

8 January 1917: When brother William died in Paragould, the newspaper reported that his brother, who resided in St. Francis, was in "poor health".[18]

12 Jan 1920 Census, St. Francis, Clay County, AR: Milliner Jenny Jones 47, WV WV WV, employed out of home; husband Delbert 77, TN TN TN, not employed.[19]

28 Feb 1927: Delbert Marion Jones died in Clay County.[20]  In Hall Cemetery, there is a "Darlin M. Jones 1855-1935" buried next to Jennie Jones (1868-1962).  Hall Cemetery is located north of Piggott and just west of St. Francis. Both the Jones Family Bible and his tombstone have a death date of 1928.   In 2002, the tombstone seemed relatively new.  We surmised that the stone hadn't been placed until after Jennie's death in 1962 when few of her relatives or descendants would remember the exact dates for D. M. Jones, and might have mixed up the first names of Delbert and his father.  Whatever the circumstances, the grave is almost certainly that of Delbert Marion Jones.

3 Jan 1930 Census, St. Francis, Clay County, AR: Widow Jennie C. Jones 56, W. Virginia  W. Virginia  W. Virginia, no occupation.[21]

Jennie Jones died in 1962. 

John Miller Jones & Caroline Patterson

3 Jul 1846: John Miller Jones was born in Weakley County, TN.[22]   See photo.

17 Nov 1850: Nancy Caroline Patterson was born in Weakley County, daughter of Gilbert and Mildred Campbell Patterson.[23]  She was never called Nancy or Caroline, only "Callie"; so that when her granddaughter was named after her, it came out Nancy Carolyn.  See photo.

In the Civil War, John served as Private in the Third Tennessee Cavalry, H Company, under the command of General Nathan Bedford Forrest. This unit was also known as "Forrest's Old Regiment, Tennessee Cavalry".  Company H was under the command of Col. D. C. Kelly.  The officers were: Capt. J. L. Morphis, and J. H. Jones.  A coincidence?  Forrest's Cavalry saw fierce action during the war.  In fact, the unit was responsible for the controversial massacre of black soldiers at Fort Pillow on 12 Apr 1864.  Forrest wrote: "The river was dyed with the blood of the slaughtered for 200 yards . . . It is hoped that these facts will demonstrate to the Northern people that Negro soldiers cannot cope with Southerners."  We have no idea if John was present.

According to family tradition, he enlisted at the age of 16, very early in the war.  The Muster Cards do not contain the date of enlistment to either verify or refute this story.  In 1863 the Confederacy did begin drafting seventeen year olds.

The men of Company H, 3rd Cavalry were surrendered by Lt. General R. Taylor on 4 May 1865 and paroled at Gainesville, AL (#34) on 11 May 1865.[24]

November 1865: J. M. and [brother] D. M. Jones witnessed a deed from J. N. Alexander to [father] Darling Jones for 100 acres described as the "John T. Cane Tract" adjoining Sam Cooper.  They proved the deed in Dresden on 28 Apr 1866.[25]

After the war, John attended Normal School. It was during that time that he decided to become a doctor.  He graduated from the University of Nashville Medical School - now Vanderbilt - in 1871.  His diploma is reportedly in the possession of Oscar Eve Jones III.

He first entered medical practice in Augusta [now Woodruff County, but then Jackson County] AR; and indeed, was described as "of Augusta" at the time of his marriage to Callie.

29 Feb 1872: John and Caroline were married in her parents' home by Rev. J. M. Baxter of Dresden.[26]  Callie was always to call her husband "Dr. Jones" in front of others, even the children   According to their grand-daughter Carolyn Denty, Callie had waited for him through his long years of school.

According to son Jim, John and Callie moved to Newport, Jackson County, AR in the autumn of 1877.

1878: Callie joined the First United Methodist Church of Newport.  The church building was destroyed by fire in 1896.  The first baby  baptized in the new sanctuary was granddaughter Carolyn Moore in 1911.[27]

1879 Jackson County, AR Personal Property Tax List: J. M. Jones was listed with 1 poll, 2 horses valued at $80, 20 "neat cattle" at $200, 7 hogs at $7, 1 watch at $10, and "other articles" valued at $75, for a total evaluation of $372.

1879: He was named to the first Board of Directors when the Newport Public School District was created.  He was still serving on that board in 1906.[28]

9 Jun 1880 Census, Newport, Jackson County, AR:  John M. Jones M.D. age 34, TN NC NC; Callie 30, TN TN TN; Nora 8, AR TN TN; James 6; Minnie 4; Oscar 2; James O. Bell M. D. age 41, MS NC NC and wife Amanda F. Bell age 17, TN TN TN.[29] 

On 15 Nov or May 1880, fire destroyed 2 blocks of Newport.  John's brother "Dick" Jones was one of most active firefighters.  Understandably so, since he was fighting to save his brother's medical office.  The fire was too devastating; Dr. Jones had his office and drugstore destroyed.  One source said his house was destroyed as well.  The new office - and perhaps the old - was located on Front Street with the office above, drugstore below.[30]

After the first commissioners resigned, John was appointed to a committee of three to complete the building of a new courthouse.[31]

1881: Callie was one of the leaders of a petition drive to have the County Court prohibit liquor sales within 3 miles of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.  It didn't get sufficient signatures. 

1882: He was employed by the city council to provide free vaccinations to Newport residents during a smallpox epidemic of.[32]

14 Aug 1882: John was one of the charter members of Fortitude (Masonic) Lodge #397.  This merged with Jackson Lodge in 1895.  John was a delegate to the Grand Lodge in 1885 and 1889; Worthy Master of the Lodge in 1901 and 1908.[33]

A mysterious note was found in John's effects after his death.  Handwritten, but in an elaborate script, it read: "Sacred to the memory of the Crusaders and Carpet Baggers who undertook to rule Newport but got a death blow on Jany 2nd '83.  Born July 1st 1882, age 6 months.  Peace to thy ashes."[34]

1884: John  was elected president of the Jackson County Medical Society.

1889 Jackson County Real Estate Property Tax List:  J. M. Jones was assessed for parts of Section 10.11, Block #2; land valued at $1,000, town or city lots valued at $1,000 and  S23, Block #2, town or city lots valued at $2,000 and $2,000.

The Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northeast Arkansas was published by Goodspeed in 1889.  It contained the following entry (p. 876) on John . . .

Dr. J. M. Jones.  Among the people of Jackson and surrounding counties the name that heads this sketch is a very familiar one, for, in his professional capacity he has become intimately acquainted with the majority of their inhabitants.  He was born in Weakley County, Tenn., July 3, 1846, and is the son of Darling and Margaret E. (Miller) Jones, the father a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Tennessee.  They were married in the later state, and are still hale and hearty old people residing on the homestead, in Weakley County.  The following are the living members of their family of six children: Marion D., Dr. John M., William H. (a resident of Paragould), Dr. A.M., and Sarah J. (wife of Asbury Kensey); James is deceased.  Up to the age of seventeen years, Dr. J. M. Jones resided on the home farm and learned all the details of farm labor, but when the war broke out he left the plow to enlist in the army, and became a member of Company I, Twelfth Tennessee Regiment. [That is an error.]  He continued to remain in service until the final surrender, participating in a number of battles, then returned to his home with the consciousness of having faithfully performed every duty imposed upon him.  Not deeming the education he had acquired prior to the war sufficient to enable him to successfully cope with the world, he entered a normal school, which he attended until 1868, and during this time he formed the resolution of making the practice of medicine his calling through life.  In order to fit himself for this work he entered the Medical University of Nashville, Tenn., from which he was graduated as an M.D. in February, 1872.  He had come to Jackson County, Ark., the previous year, where he has since made his home, and, during his residence of eighteen years in this county, he has become well and favorably known to the majority of her citizens as an able and successful practitioner.  To his marriage to Miss Callie Patterson, which occurred in 1872, he has become the father of four children: Nora, James, Minnie and Oscar.  Mrs. Jones was born in the State of Tennessee, and she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.  The Doctor is a Mason, a member of the I.O.O.F., the K. of  H., and the Royal Arcanum."  The "K. of H. was the Knights of Honor.

 In 1896 through 1900 and 1902 through 1904, John was Judge of the County and Probate Courts.

Callie had been a Charter Member of the Ladies Aid Society, United Methodist Church; but was listed as new member of Ladies Aid Circle of Women's Home Missionary Society in January 1900.  Were they two different organizations or had she simply dropped out for an indefinite period?[35]

1900 Census, Newport, Jackson County, AR (Union Township):  Physician age 53, born Jul 1846, TN NC TN, married 28 years; Callie 49, born Nov 1850, TN TN TN, mother of 5 children, all living; "drummer" James L. 25, born Jul 1874; student Oscar E. 21, born Nov 1878; Hazel 9, born Jun 1890.  The family was residing on "Beach Street".[36]  This home on the corner of Second and Beech was a "landmark" that burned to the ground 18 July 1930. It was still being called "the old Dr. John M. Jones residence" even then.

22 Nov 1905: John wrote a note to his eldest daughter Minnie Jones Tilghman, who was living in Little Rock . . .

My Dear Daughter,

Yours rec'd, cap too. Now, I am always short in words, especially when I want to say something good. So admit I just could not say it, and would not try, and accept thanks, must say some­ thing anyway. Now, for some nights when I would go to bed, I would realize my bare head was cold, and I would resolve to hunt up my old cap before the next night; but as before I would forget it, until I was in bed, in a cold room, and all I could do, was to tuck that bare spot under the cover, and go to sleep, swearing by the pipers, I would have my cap before the next roll in. So you see I did not know I was the possessor of one, until this evening, found your plethorie [?] letter on my desk, telling me of the old one, and filling its place with a new one, that just fits like a ____ 7 1/4 Stetson. I put it in place, and can't find time to remove it. All say it becomes me greatly and one says it makes me look like a boy.  So you see I am likely to ware it all the time.  Dr. Owen said after seeing it, he must have one. Now of all the gifts I ever had, I don't think I ever had one that filled such a vacuum, and was appreciated more. So again accept thanks.

All are well. Nora had developed into a no. one cook; but she succeeded in getting a negro yesterday, and now all are smiling again. All are well and everything appears more like home again than for a long time. We had a telegram this morning from Sam Buckaloo; saying it was a boy; and all doing well. I fear he will not recover soon, without some treatment for his mentality. Nora declined to make the exchange of pie & cake. Now I can't say anything; but ask you to remember me kindly to Lacy & Ollie, and I will go home, cover with the night cap (you know there are more than one kind of night cap, but I won't take but one tonight) and try to sleep warm; but hope it won't give me a cold like the good underware that Nora bought me, and made me get into. Just had to do it.

Your Fond Father,

J. M. Jones

4 Dec 1905: Members of the Ladies Aid Society of the First United Methodist Church "were handsomely entertained by Mrs. J. M. Jones at her home on Beech Street . . .This Society is entertained every year by Mrs. Jones who is one of the society's charter members".[37]

8 Feb 1908: Callie Patterson Jones died in Newport. 

Mrs. Callie Jones, aged 58 years, the beloved wife of Dr. J. M. Jones of this city, died Saturday afternoon at 5:20 o'clock after ten days illness of pneumonia.  The funeral was held at he family home on Beech Street Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, conducted by her pastor, Rev. A. T. Galloway, of the Methodist Church, burial following at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

From the time pneumonia set in several days ago, her condition was considered almost hopeless, though everything known to medical skill and every attention of a devoted family were bestowed upon the wife and mother, hoping that the grim reaper's hand might be stayed and this loved one be spared to those who would have given their lives if need be to have her remain in the home where she had been so loved so long, and needed, for that time never seems to come when the mother can be spared.  The deceased had been an invalid for eight years from muscular rheumatism, being perfectly helpless, but during all her suffering, her good heart, and tenderly affectionate disposition continued to bring sunshine into the home, where her presence will ever be in sacred memory.

Mrs. Jones was born at Greenfield, Tenn., and was the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Gilbert  Patterson.  She was married to Dr. J. M. Jones in 1872, having moved to Jackson County soon after.  Five children were born to this union, who besides the husband survive her.  They are James L. Jones and Mrs. Lacy Tilghman of Little Rock, Mrs. Nora Yerger of Lake Village, and Oscar E. Jones and Miss Hazel Jones of this city, all of whom have the heartfelt sympathy of many close friends in this great bereavement that has come into their lives.[38]

Funeral of Mrs. J. M. Jones

With honors befitting a true Christian and one loved by everybody, the last sad rites over the remains of Mrs. J. M. Jones were held Monday afternoon, when the funeral service was conducted at the family home.

The service was attended by all who were able to get into the house, who also followed, despite the bad weather, to the grave in paying their last loving tribute of tears.

Rev. A. T. Galloway of the Methodist Church after reading appropriate scripture passages

Offered a prayer and short talk to the memory of the deceased and admonished the family that they should not grieve but should be happy in the consciousness of the brave Christian life she had lived and that after years of trial and affliction she had at last gone to her rest and reward.

A quartette of singers composed of Mesdames R. W. Bandy, G. A. Hillhouse, Neill Williams, and Miss Imogene Bandy sang the old hymns so well loved by the deceased, which were "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" and "Nearer My God to thee".

The casket was hidden from view by exquisite floral emblems from relatives and friends, which were silent messengers of love to the one who has "gone from them for awhile".

The active pall bearers were Geo. A. Hillhouse, Joe L. Bevens, E. L. Boyce, John W. Stayton, Claude M. Erwin, Marcus Brewer, Sigfried Adler and J.C. Herron.  The honorary pall bearers were L. Minor, W. B. Chastain, H. Bernstein, John D. Neal, Dr. C. West and Dr. F. G. Smith . . .

There was no school in the city today, out of respect to Mrs. J. M. Jones, Dr. Jones being a member of the board of directors.[39]

13 Feb 1908: John Miller Jones died at 3:55 p.m. a scant five days after his beloved Callie.  Insisting on attending her funeral in the rain in spite of a cold, he caught pneumonia, which then developed into meningitis.  With the uncertainty of medical diagnoses in those days, it may have been meningitis all along, merely duplicating the symptoms of a cold in the early stages.

He apparently died intestate as no will is on record in Jackson County from 1891-1912.  I have not yet searched the Probate Record.

On the day of his funeral, the schools and circuit courts of Newport were closed.  The Masons conducted the funeral at the gravesite after a service conducted Rev. Galloway at the Methodist Church.  Among those attending the funeral were: [Caroline's nephew] R. Q. Patterson, [Caroline's nephew] Dr. Syd Patterson of Chattanooga, TN; William Orr of Greenfield, TN; [Caroline's brother] John Patterson of Sharon, TN; [John's brother] Dick Jones of Paragould, AR.

Dr. John Miller Jones, for more than thirty years closely identified with the development of this county and the business and social life of our city, died Thursday afternoon, February 13th at 3:55 o'clock at his home in this city, after a short illness, which did not appear serious until the preceding night.

Following closely the death of his beloved wife, which occurred last Thursday, the family are almost prostrated in this double grief and the whole county and city feel deeply the loss of so eminent and good a citizen.  None knew him but to respect and love him and to few men have been awarded that general esteem in which the deceased was held.

A serious cold developed into pneumonia in the early part of this week, but even then his physicians thought him in no danger.  However Wednesday evening, meningitis and partial paralysis became evident and all hope seemed gone next morning of saving his life.

The funeral service will take place from the Methodist church at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, conducted by the pastor Rev. A. T. Galloway, and the remains will then be in charge of the Masons, whose burial service will be held at the grave in Walnut Grove Cemetery.  The honorary pall bearers will be L. Minor, W. E. Bevens, John R. Loften, Sr., W. A. Joyce, Wash Weast, W. C. McDougal, H. C. Nuckolls, Sam Anthony, all old comrades who wore the gray and the active pall bearers will be Gustave Jones, J. M. Stayton, F. R. Suit, C. E. Carroll, Sig Adler and I. H. Erwin ...

Dr. Jones was born in Greenfield, Tennessee, July 3, 1846 and was thus 61 years of age.  He was married February 29, 1872 to Miss Callie Patterson of his home county in Tennessee.

They soon after moved to Augusta in this state which was their home for five years, when they became residents of Jackson County.

Dr. Jones is survived by five children, Dr. Oscar E. Jones and Miss Hazel Jones of this city, James L. Jones and Mrs. N. Lacy Tilghman of Little Rock and Mrs. William Yerger of Lake village.  He also has two brothers, W. H. Jones of Paragould and Marion Jones of Palmer, Mo. And a sister Mrs. Sallie Kinsett of Cisco, Texas.

The deceased was a member of Jackson Lodge, No. 191 and F. & A. M. and had been honored by his lodge as Worshipful Master.  He was also a member of the local lodge of Elks.

He has served for many years as a member of the public school board and his interest, and work for our local schools always commended him to the people of this city.

He served Jackson County well and faithfully as judge of the county and probate court and in tribute to his memory, the public schools were dismissed Friday and circuit was adjourned Friday afternoon for the remainder of the week.

A veteran of Forrest's cavalry, he had a right to be proud of his service in the struggle of '61 to '65 and some of the occasions he enjoyed most of the latter years of his life were the reunions of the "boys in gray".

A very successful practitioner in his chosen profession of medicine, he enjoyed the confidence and love of every home he entered and his fellow practitioners knew him to be broad in his ideas, courteous and considerate of others and true to the highest ethics of the profession.

A member of the Methodist church, he was a true Christian, charitable and generous in spirit whose upright conduct, genial nature, cheerful disposition and manly honest heart made him the friend of all.

Son James submitted information for an announcement in the Confederate Veteran:

Dr. John M. Jones was born July 3, 1846, in Weakley County, Tenn., and entered the Confederate army at the very incipiency of the war in Company H, Forrest's old regiment, participating in the battles and campaigns of that command, which were many, and surrendered at Gainesville, Ala., May 11, 1865.  He was a member of Tom Hindman Camp, U. C. V., Newport, Ark.  He had lived at Newport for thirty-one years, dying February 13, 1908, aged sixty-two years - an excellent soldier and an eminent physician.

Dr. Jones survived his wife, who was Miss Callie Patterson of Weakley County, Tenn., but five days, she having been an invalid for ten years. 

Above the inscription of his memorial stone is the emblem of the Woodmen of the World and another emblem with the initials "T.K.R.(or S) H.T.W.S.S."  Also the inscription: "Though lost to sight to memory dear."  John and Callie are actually buried under small stones reading only "Father" and "Mother" to the side of the large memorial stone.  There are also two memorial windows in the First United Methodist Church of Newport: 1)  "In Memory of Dr. J.M. Jones"; 2)  "In Memory of Callie Jones".[40]

Family Stories - Which may or may not be true.

The horse John had brought with him at enlistment was shot out from under him.  Deciding that what the Yankees taketh, they could just as well giveth, he and a friend crept behind enemy lines and stole themselves 2 horses.  This horse lasted the duration of the war; and ironically, on the back of John's parole is written: I hereby certify that the within named soldier is the true and lawful owner of one horse".  This horse supposedly lasted even through the early years of his medical practice.[41]

We can surmise that John was very fond of his horses since stories about them and even their names have been handed down.  (Two of his horses were named Kirk and Kirk II.)  One horse used to doze while hitched at the bottom of the doctor's office stairs.  Patients would come and go, up and down with nary a notice; but the moment John started down, the horse would be wide awake and ready.  It may've been this horse that was reported to be a spirited racer, who no one but Dr. Jones could ride.  Upon John's death the animal was almost destroyed since no one was able to control him.  He was spared to a ripe old age, however, when daughter Norene Yerger, who was reputed to be able to ride any horse alive, came and rode him to her home in Lake Village!  That's really a very, very long way to ride, 157 miles by highway at present, so the story is obviously exagerated!

A very strange tale deals with John and Callie's first meeting.  John was on his way home from the war with four friends.  Around the campfire one night, one of them was demonstrating how he had killed a Yankee with a rock.  The demonstration was too graphic because he accidentally killed one of his friends.  John was delegated to tell the dead man's family - the Pattersons.  When he went to the door, it was answered by the 14 year old Callie, who he swore to himself at that moment that he would marry.  There is no corroborating evidence for the death of John's companion.  The Patterson's did have sons who died in the war, but none of them in 1865.  Yet there is often a kernel of truth in the most fantastical family stories. 

A notorious Newport drunk would often collapse on the doctor's office stairs.  When John was called to a patient's house, he would help drunk into his buggy and deposit him at the Jones home with the message that Mrs. Jones would be only too happy to feed and care for him.  He would then drive off laughing contentedly to himself.  The result was always the same: Callie would drive the drunk out of her door with a broom, outraged.  He would invariably later be fed and told to bed down in the Jones barn for the night.

Both Callie and John apparently indulged their children, especially Hazel, the baby.  One afternoon five-year-old Hazel was playing in downtown Newport with a friend.  Seeing a little red wagon in a store window, she went in and told the proprietor to send it to her house, that her daddy would pay for it.  The proprietor wisely called Dr. Jones at his office to ask permission.  John's reply: "Oh, give her whatever she wants at any time; you needn't check with me".

Children of John Miller and Caroline Patterson Jones:  See photo.

Nora Elizabeth Jones (14 Feb 1873 - 3 Jan 1967; m. 1st Thadeus D. Kinman 27 Nov 1890, m. 2nd C. D. Hays c. 1893, m. 3rd William Yerger 28 Oct 1907)

James Leviticus Jones (26 Jul 1874 - 19 Apr 1916; m. Katherine H. Morrison 3 Sep 1902)

Minnie Bell Jones (4 Nov 1876 - 20 Jan 1976; m. N. Lacy Tilghman 31 Oct 1894)

Oscar Eve Jones (30 Nov 1878 - 14 Jul 1923; m. Fanny Redman 6 Aug 1902)

Hazel Katherine Jones (6 May 1891 - 11 May 1935; m. 1st Duncan Lewis Moore 3 Oct 1909, m. 2nd Shed Lesley Dickinson 25 Aug 1917)

James Jones

3 Jan 1849: James A. Jones was born in Weakley County, TN.[42]

A  James Jones served as a Private in Company H, 7th TN Cavalry, , the unit in which John Miller Jones served; although surely our James would have been too young?[43]

A James Jones married Ellen Brooks on 11 May 1869 in Weakley County.  Was this our Jim?   Mary Alice Liggett, granddaughter of William Orr, does not believe that James was ever married.

According to Mary Alice, James was a physician.  Was he, or did he merely become confused with one of his brothers?

29 May 1873: James died.  According to Mary Alice Liggett, he succumbed to yellow fever in New Orleans.  The body was shipped to Weakley County, the family being cautioned not to open the coffin under any circumstances - probably for fear of contagion.  They nevertheless did so.  Immediately upon being introduced to the air - it may have had a glass seal - the body disintegrated before their eyes.[44]  His tombstone reads:  "James A. Jones, Son of D. & M. Jones, Born Jan 3, 1849, Died May 29, 1873, Age 24y 4m 26d".[45]    He was originally buried in the family graveyard at the Jones farm but was transferred to Highland Cemetery along with the bodies of his parents.

 William H. Jones & Ellen Ward

16 Aug 1851: William was born in Weakley County, TN.[46]  Quite inexplicably, he was nicknamed "Dick".

14 Jan 1861: Ellen T. Ward was born in Tennessee.[47]  She's believed to have been the daughter of James Jordan and Almeda Temperance Hatcher Ward, who had a daughter Ellen born c. 1863.  James (18 Jan 1825 - 2 Dec 1898) was the brother of Mary Frances Ward, wife of Abel Jones, possible brother to Darling Jones. 

Tuesday, 8 Mar 1881: W. H. Jones and Miss Ellen Ward of Greenfield were married.[48]   A W. H. Jones had married Mary A. Golden on 8 Oct 1870 in Weakley County, with the ceremony performed by Reuben Ross, M. G.  Was this our William?  Was Ellen actually his second wife?[49]  In her later years, she was often referred to as "Mary". 

c. 1883: Dick and Ellen moved to Paragould, Greene County, AR in 1883, but had previously resided in Fort Smith and Newport, AR.[50]

In Paragould, he served on one committee to draw up plans for the new brick courthouse and another committee to organize the city government.[51]

11 Jun 1900 Census, Paragould, Greene County, AR: Banker W. 48, born Aug 1851, TN NC NC, married for 19 years; Ellen T. 39, born Jan 1861, TN TN VA, married for 19 years; Harry E. 14, born Jul 1885, AR TN TN; Maude E. 12, born Oct 1887, AR TN TN; Almeda W. 5, born Feb 1895, AR TN TN.[52]

15 Apr 1910 Census, Paragould, Greene County, AR: Real estate agent William H. Jones 58, TN NC TN, married at age 29; Ellen T. 48, married at age 29, mother of six children, 4 living; bookkeeper Harry E. 24, AR TN TN; Maude E. 22; Almeda W. 15; John W. 8.  The family was residing at 705 West Court Street.[53]

The Dick Jones family visited often in Greenfield, staying with the Orr's rather than Ellen's Ward family.  In fact, according to Mary Alice Liggett, the Orrs had the two children of Maude Jones and her husband "Dr. Bone" for an entire summer.  But Maude only had one child and wasn't, at least to my knowledge, ever married to a "Dr. Bone", so who were the two little Jones-Bone cousins?

8 Jan 1917 . . .

W. H. Jones, familiarly known as "Uncle Dick", aged 65 years, died suddenly at his residence, 605 West Court street, at four thirty this morning.  Mr. Jones was seized with an attack of acute indigestion about six o'clock yesterday evening and throughout the night he suffered much pain.  Physicians relieved him at intervals and it was thought he would be over the attack by morning.  However, he grew suddenly worse about four o'clock and within thirty minutes had answered the final summons.

Mr. Jones was born at Greenfield, Weakley county, Tenn., on August 16, 1851, and in 1881 he was married to Miss Ellen Ward, also of Greenfield.  Thirty-four years ago he and his wife came to Arkansas.  They first located in Fort Smith where they resided eleven months.  Then they moved to Newport where they remained three months.  Their next move was to Paragould where they made their permanent home.  At the time Mr. Jones located here Paragould was hardly a village - not much more than an insignificant trading point.  What is now the business district of the city was then a swamp.  Mr. Jones embarked in the grocery business in a frame building on what is now West Main street.  By industry and close attention to his business, he prospered.  Later he erected a cotton gin here and subsequently installed a gin at Rector.  At both places he succeeded in his operations.  Branching out still further he promoted the first flouring mill in Paragould and for several years managed that institution.  In the meantime he had accumulated much property and made a number of good investments.  He served as President of the Bank of Paragould which preceded the present First National Bank.  About twelve years ago he retired from active participation in business and since that time had devoted himself largely to real estate matters, acquiring many choice pieces of property in Paragould and farm lands in Greene county and in Southeast Missouri.  He improved practically all of his holdings, erecting many substantial dwellings on his lots.  Five years ago he constructed the Jones apartments on lots on West Court street, opposite the post office.  He erected two handsome two-story brick buildings, each containing four sets of apartments.  Later he sold to the Paragould Hotel company the ground on West Emerson street on which the new Vandervoort hotel  now stands.  At the time of his death he was a member of the board of directors of the National Bank of Commerce, a member of the board of directors of the House-Jones Grain Company, successors to the House & Meiser Company, and vice president of the Stedman Hardware Company.  In addition to the Jones apartments and many excellent pieces of rental property in the residential sections of the city, he owned the brick building on South Pruet street occupied by Leslie's meat market and Hamilton's five and ten cent store.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife and four children - Harry E. Jones, Mrs. E. G. Weidman, Miss Almeda Jones and Johnny Jones.  Two sons are dead.  He is also survived by one brother, Marion Jones, who resides in St. Francis.  The brother is in bad health and will probably not be able to attend the funeral services.  One nephew, Dr. Oscar Jones, and his wife of Newport, are expected to reach here tonight.

Mr. Jones was prominently identified with the Paragould lodge of elks and at the time of his death was serving as one of the trustees of the lodge.  He was a member of the First Methodist church of this city and was serving as a steward when he died.

A number of years ago he was elected justice of the peace of this township and in that capacity, as in all other avenues of his activity, he served with credit.  He was regarded as one of the best business men in the county.  He always took an intelligent and an active interest in public affairs, and though a man well advanced in years, he found much pleasure in the association of young men, especially those who gave promise of making useful citizens.  To these he offered much encouragement and when relations justified it he gave timely advice.

His place in the community life was large and carried with it much influence.

As a mark of respect to his long and useful life in this city it is understood all the business houses in Paragould will close tomorrow afternoon from 2 to 3 o'clock.  The services will be held at the residence on West Court street, conducted by the Rev. T. Y. Ramsey, pastor of the First Methodist church.  Interment will follow in Linwood cemetery.

The honorary pall bearers will be T. R. Wilockson, Esq., A. B. Hays, L. Stedman, R. Jackson, H. S. Trice, and Dr. F. M. Scott . . .

The active pall bearers will be P. E. House, R. W. Meriwether, J. F. Cardwell, H. W. Woosley, H. W. Brown and L. U. Stedman . . .

All the banks in Paragould will be closed tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock and remain closed the rest of the day as a mark of respect to the late W. H. Jones who had been prominently identified with the financial interests of the city for many years."[54]

 And in another clipping . . .

W. H. Jones, aged 65, died at his home here this morning of acute indigestion.  He was ill only a short time.  He was a native of Greenfield, Tenn.  He came to Paragould 34 years ago.  During the last 15 years he devoted his time to real estate investments and improvements and amassed a fortune.  He was director in the National Bank of Commerce, a director in the House-Jones Grain Company and vice-president of the Stedman Hardware Company.  He is survived by his wife and four children, Harry E. Jones, Mrs. E. G. Weidman, Miss Almeda Jones and Johnny Jones, all of Paragould.  One brother, Marion Jones, lives at St. Francis.  Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. T. M. Ramsey, pastor of the First Methodist church.  All banks and business houses will be closed from 2 until 3 o'clock as a mark of respect.[55]

1920 Census, Paragould, Greene County, AR: Widow Ellen Jones 58, TN NC VA, no occupation; Almeda 24, AR TN TN; John W. 18, AR TN TN; son-in-law Elmer Weidman 32, OH VA OH, a widower, employed as salesman in  department store; granddaughter Mary Jane 4, AR OH AR; lodger Annie W. Douglas 23, TN TN TN, employed as "demonstrater" for the "State Agri Extension".[56]

Ellen was still residing in Paragould when she attended the Newport funeral of Dr. O. E. Jones in 1923 and when, along with her son, she attended the Newport funeral of Lacy Jones in 1940.[57]

2 Apr 1930 Census, Paragould, Greene County, AR: Mrs. W. H. Jones 69, TN TN TN, a widow; son John 28, AR TN TN, emplyed as a bookkeeper in a "Light Plant".[58]

Children of William and Ellen Ward Jones:

Harry E. Jones (23 Jul 1885 - 3 Jun 1948; m. Nina N. _______)

Maude E. Jones (Oct 1887 - Apr 1918; m. Elmer G. Weidman 1911)

Almeda W. Jones (Feb 1895 - 1965; m. Floyd A. White 10 Jan 1922)

John W. Jones (27 Jun 1901 - 12 Mar 1969; m. Camille R. _______)

Sarah Jones & William Asbury Kinsey

25 Feb 1851: William Asbury Kinsey was born in Gibson County, TN, the son of Peter Haywood Kinsey (b. 13 Jan 1830)  and Mary Elizabeth Peel (b. 27 Jan 1831).[59]   

17 May 1856: Sarah Jane Jones was born in Weakley County.[60]

1870 Census, Gibson County, TN: Asbury Kinsey, age 21, enumerated in the household of Peter Haywood and Mary Kinsey.[61]  Peter Haywood Kinsey was the son of Henry Kinsey of Gibson, brother of the elderly Samuel Kinsey of Weakley.  In Gibson, Felix G. Kinsey married Mary J. Jones on 11 Feb 1850.

16 Dec 1873: Sarah married William in a ceremony performed performed by J. M. Baxter, M.G.[62]

1880 Census, Grices, Gibson County, TN: Farmer William A. Kincy 29, TN NC NC; Sarah J. age 24, TN SC TN; James A. age 5; D. Gentery age 3; Maggie M. 6 months.[63]

6 Jun 1900 Census, Cisco, Eastland County, TX: Grocery dealer W. A. Kinsey 49, born Feb 1851, TN NC NC; wife S. J.  44, born May 1856, TN TN TN, married for 26 years; Asa W. 17, born Jan 1883, TN TN TN, "at grocery store"; A. C. 12, born Feb 1888, TN TN TN; Otto 5, born Jun 1894, TN TN TN.[64]

12 Dec 1910: Sarah died in Cisco.  She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.[65]

May 1910 Census, Cisco, Eastland County, TX: Feed store clerk and "uncle" W. A. Kinsey, a widower age 55, TN TN TN, and "cousin" Otto, 16, TN TN TN, are residing in the household of grocery store clerk R. B. Kinsey 34, TN TN TN married for 11 years;  Merlin 29, TN TN TN, mother of 3 children, 1 living; son Evans 3, TN TN TN.[66]

5 Jan 1921: William died and was buried alongside Sarah.[67]

Children of Sarah Jones and William A. Kinsey:

James A. Kinsey (10 Oct 1874 - 20 Feb 1899)

Darling Gentry Kinsey (8 Apr 1877 -     )

Margaret Mae Kinsey (17 Dec 1879 - 15 Nov 1918; m. Frank A. Foster 1898)

Milowe Wade Kinsey (Jan 1883 -     ; m. Ethel Mae _______)

Atha Clancey Kinsey (Feb 1888 - 1944; m. Gilbert W. _______)

Haywood James Kinsey (9 Feb 1898 - 27 May 1898)

Otto Shaffer Kinsey (30 Jun 1894 - 18 Nov 1937; m. Clara May Thomas 1930) is also listed as the child of Sarah and William, but he was apparently only residing with them in the 1900 Census.  According to the 1920 Census, he was the son of Otto A. Kinsey, born c. 1852 in TN.    Another child may have also been adopted or been a ward.

If you have material about or photos of any individuals included in Nancy's Dead Relatives, can add well-documented family lines, have corrections and/or comments, or wish to establish a link to or from this site, please contact me at nancy@nancysdeadrelatives.com.  However, the decision whether or not to include any submitted material is the webmaster's (mine) alone. 

Nancy Denty Breidenthal

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